The biggest event of Hub City Carnivale is State Theatre’s Family Day on Presidents Day on Monday, February 17. Family Day features three mainstage performances of Hub City Spectacular by Big Apple Circus. Families can spend the school-day holiday enjoying these performances plus others as well as workshops, and hands-on activities—many of them free—plus costumed characters, Turtle Back Zoo: “Amazing Animal Adaptations,” face painting, balloon animals, and more. The festival, which runs from 10am to 4pm, features multiple venues: the State Theatre, George Street Playhouse, Crossroads Theatre, United Methodist Church, and the popular Hub City Big Top, an enormous tent set up in front of the State Theatre.

Hub City Spectacular by Big Apple Circus
State Theatre Family Day
Mon, February 17, 2014 at 10:30am, 1pm, and 3:30pm
The State Theatre’s 8th annual Family Day features three mainstage performances of Hub City Spectacular by Big Apple Circus. The Big Apple’s cast of characters will include balancing acts, clown sketches, performing pups, and more. Families can also enjoy workshops, and hands-on activities—many of them free—plus costumed characters, Turtle Back Zoo: “Amazing Animal Adaptations,” face painting, balloon animals, a photo booth, fire trucks from the New Brunswick Fire Department, the Colgate “Bright Smiles, Bright Futures” mobile dental van, a live DJ, food, and more. The free performances, presented in Crossroads Theatre include Gustafer Yellowgold, a multi-media performance of live music, animated illustrations, and storytelling (12pm, 3pm); an interactive “Meet the Percussion” program by Princeton Symphony Orchestra (11am and 1pm); and performances by the New Jersey Tap Dance Ensemble (10am and 2pm).

In addition, the State Theatre will be holding a food drive to benefit the Elijah’s Promise food pantry in New Brunswick. Those attending Family Day can help by bringing in non-perishable food items such as pasta, dried spices, rice, and beans. Big Apple tickets range from $15-30.

Alton Brown Live
Edible Inevitable Tour
Tue, February 18, 2014 at 8pm
Celebrity chef and TV Personality Alton Brown will entertain the audience using his quirky humor and culinary-science antics on stage. The two-hour show is a unique blend of stand-up comedy, food experimentation, talk show antics, multimedia lecture, and, for the first time...live music. Tickets range from $35-125.

Foreigner
Thu, February 20, 2014 at 8pm
With 10 multi-Platinum albums and 16 Top 30 hits, Foreigner is one of the biggest bands in rock history. Hits include “Juke Box Hero,” “Feels Like the First Time,” “Urgent,” “Cold as Ice,” “Hot Blooded,” and the worldwide smash “I Want to Know What Love Is.” Also, patrons can come early at 7pm to enjoy music with DJ Rob Porter in the State Theatre lobby. Tickets range from $35-95.

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt
Sat, February 22, 2014 at 2pm
Presented at Crossroads Theatre, 7 Livingston Ave in New Brunswick. Michael Rosen’s award-winning children’s book (inspired by the popular kids’ song) is brought vividly to the stage in this fun-filled romp featuring catchy songs, interactive scenes, and plenty of hands-on adventure—plus a few special surprises. This highly interactive musical journey presents concepts such as rhyme, repetition, alliteration, and problem solving, and—just as importantly—introduces children to the joys of live theater. Tickets are $10.

Glen Burtnik & Friends - British Invasion 3
Sat, February 22, 2014 at 8pm
Glen Burtnik & Friends return to the State Theatre to salute the British Invasion and the classic music from the breakthrough era, from the time the Beatles conquered the world to the end of the explosive 60s. Program features the music of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and a special tribute to The Who in honor of their 50th anniversary. Also, patrons can come early at 7pm to enjoy music by Deena & Jon in the State Theatre lobby. Tickets range from $35-55.

Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Sun, February 23, 2014 at 5pm
2013 Grammy® Award-winning, South African a cappella vocal group, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, returns to the State Theatre to celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2013. Led by founder and leader Joseph Shabalala, Ladysmith Black Mambazo has a musical style that combines the joyous and uplifting rhythms and harmonies of their native South African musical traditions with the sounds and sentiments of Christian gospel music. Also, patrons can come early at 4pm to enjoy and join in a community drum circle in the State Theatre lobby—drums will be provided. Tickets range from $25-40.

Eileen Ivers
Fri, February 28, 2014 at 8pm
Nine time All-Ireland Fiddle Champion and Grammy® Award-winning artist Eileen Ivers performs live in concert with her band Immigrant Soul. Ivers is the original musical star of Riverdance and a founding member of Cherish the Ladies. Called a “sensation” by Billboard magazine and “the Jimi Hendrix of the violin” by The New York Times, Ivers’ recording credits include over 80 contemporary and traditional albums and numerous movie scores. Tickets range from $27-52.

For tickets or more information, call the State Theatre ticket office at 732-246-SHOW (7469), or visit us online at http://www.StateTheatreNJ.org. The State Theatre ticket office, located at 15 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick NJ, is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 10am to 6pm; Wednesday 11am to 7pm; Saturday 1pm to 5pm; and at least three hours prior to curtain on performance dates unless otherwise specified. For information on group outings and discounts, call 732-247-7200, ext. 517. Some additional ticket and transaction fees may apply.

State Theatre, a premier nonprofit venue for the performing arts and entertainment. The theater exists to enrich people’s lives, contribute to a vital urban environment, and build future audiences by presenting the finest performing artists and entertainers and fostering lifetime appreciation for the performing arts through education. The State Theatre’s programs are made possible, in part, by funding from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a Partner Agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, and contributions from numerous corporations, foundations, and individuals. The Heldrich is the official hotel of the State Theatre. Magic 98.3 is the official radio station of the State Theatre. The Star-Ledger is the official newspaper of the State Theatre.